Guardiola fumes after VAR denies City

Pep Guardiola was involved in a heated exchange with Sergio Aguero following the striker’s substitution before (bellow) the Manchester City manager argued with his opposite number, Mauricio Pochettino, after a VAR decision denied a late winner from Gabriel Jesus. PHOTO: REUTERS

AFP, Manchester

Pep Guardiola called for VAR to be “fixed” after Manchester City were denied a winner in their dramatic 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Saturday.

Guardiola’s side failed to win for the first time in 16 Premier League games dating back to last season as a result of the latest VAR row.

The champions thought they had stolen the points when Gabriel Jesus fired home in stoppage-time, only for the goal to be disallowed for handball after a replay review showed Aymeric Laporte had flicked the ball on with his arm.

It was the second time City have been frustrated by VAR against Tottenham following last season’s Champions League quarterfinal.

“I thought we left that situation in Tottenham in the Champions League last season. But it is the same. The referee and VAR disallow it. It’s the second time it’s happened. It’s honestly tough but it’s the way it is,” Guardiola said.

“It happened last week with Wolves (against Leicester) and we saw for Chelsea on Wednesday -- the keeper wasn’t on his line -- Adrian in the penalty shoot-out. They have to fix it. The whistle inside matches now isn’t quite clear. But they believe it’s hands with Llorente in the Champions League and sometimes they don’t.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino shared a touchline conversation with Guardiola immediately after the goal was disallowed and after the match joked he was “in love with VAR”.

“I didn’t agree when we started to talk about VAR, but sometimes you get the benefit like today and in the Champions League (last season).”